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Union Square to Portland Street Distribution Project
Why Are We Doing This Project?
This work supports an electrical distribution upgrade, connecting the Prospect Street substation in Somerville to the existing distribution network in Cambridge. The project is one of several designed to improve the reliability of the electric system serving Somerville, Cambridge and the surrounding area.
This work will not disrupt your electrical service.
Where Is This Work Being Done?
This project includes the installation of 20 new underground vaults (manholes), and new in-street duct banks (a group of tubes to house electric lines) spanning an approximately one-mile route along Prospect Street in Somerville and Cambridge, and Harvard and Portland Streets in Cambridge.
* Click to Enlarge
When Is The Work Being Done?
Crews will be working at one location along the project route for 2 to 4 weeks before continuing. However, the duration of work is dependent on the number of existing utilities that crews encounter, and unforeseen events.
- Start of construction: August 2022
- Partial completion: Third quarter 2023 (Harvard Street and Portland Street in Cambridge)
- Engineering: First/second quarter 2024 (remaining scope)
- Projected completion date of street work: Summer 2025
*subject to change, pending necessary approvals
About This Project:
- Route Length: Approximately one mile
- Towns: Somerville and Cambridge
- Start of Construction: August 2022
Traffic Management
We coordinate closely with municipal officials on effective traffic management throughout the project. At times, parking restrictions may be necessary and will be clearly posted in advance. Construction crews will occupy a portion of the roadway, typically leaving the remainder of the road passable to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
When detours are necessary signage will be clearly posted for motorists. Please monitor this web page for updates on traffic management.
Construction Updates
We're committed to keeping neighbors, businesses and community members informed on project activities during construction.
Project work is not expected to interrupt electric service to homes or businesses and all Eversource contractors carry proper identification.
Somerville
Currently there is no ongoing project work on Prospect Street in Somerville. Work is anticipated to begin in May.
Starting in May, crews will be progressing north on Prospect Street from Cambridge into Somerville with installation of underground duct banks. The work will take up to several months to complete, progressing towards Webster Avenue. Lane restrictions will be necessary.
Cambridge
Prospect Street
- There is limited remaining work on Prospect Street at the intersection of Broadway. Due to traffic volumes in this area, the work will be scheduled to occur on an upcoming Saturday.
General work hours are Monday through Saturday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking and lane restrictions will be necessary and clearly posted in advance. Steel road plates will be used to safely secure excavated areas at the end of each work shift.
As construction continues, the police department may modify the traffic management plans based on their judgement and expertise. This includes street closures and traffic detours to ensure public safety. Please exercise caution when approaching active work areas to minimize risks to personal safety and to avoid interfering with construction.
Have Questions?
Keeping the lines of communication open is an important part of our work in your community.
For more information about this project, please call the project information hotline at 1-833-836-0302 or email ProjectInfoMA@eversource.com.